Ahmed Al-Suleiman has denied any official contact with the Iraqi Football Association regarding the national team head coach position. The speculation arose following Iraq's group-stage exit from the Gulf Cup 27.
The veteran manager, who currently leads Al-Karamah to the top of the Iraqi Premier League, stated: "My name was indeed suggested to coach the Iraq national team after the end of the Gulf Cup participation, but no communication with officials has occurred." He added: "Iraqi fans always nominate my name among the foreign coaches to lead the national team given my achievement of titles and my good knowledge of the local competition and Iraqi players."
Al-Suleiman has an impressive domestic record, having won seven titles in Iraq including three league championships, making him the second-most decorated Iraqi league manager. His current focus remains on Al-Karamah, who lead the table with 20 points from eight rounds.
This denial comes as the Iraqi national team faces challenges, sitting fourth in World Cup qualifying with zero points from three games. Their most recent result was a 2-0 loss to Saudi Arabia on September 29, part of an inconsistent run of form that includes a 3-2 win over Kuwait and a 1-1 draw with Oman.
The team's next fixture is an away match against Tajikistan on January 10, 2027, in the Asian Cup, where they are drawn in a group with Australia and Singapore. Fans can check the full fixtures schedule on our site. Current head coach Graham Arnold remains under contract until the end of the 2027 Asian Cup, having led Iraq to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Further reading: FilGoal
